The UK Secretary of State for Defense, John Healey, has asserted that Russia is involved in the tactical operations of Iran, particularly regarding the use of Shahed kamikaze drones in conflicts involving the U.S. and Israel. This statement was made during a press briefing following a meeting with British military officials in London.
Healey remarked, “It is no surprise that behind some of Iran’s tactical actions, and possibly some of their weaponry, lies the invisible hand of Vladimir Putin.” His comments highlight concerns about the Kremlin’s influence in the region.
British Lieutenant General Nick Perry informed Healey that it is likely that Moscow has provided Tehran and its allies with tactical advice on drone management. He noted that Iranian drone operators have been flying at significantly lower altitudes, which has enhanced their effectiveness in striking targets, posing challenges for defense systems.
Additionally, Healey pointed out that President Putin is currently the only world leader benefiting from soaring oil prices, which enables him to finance ongoing military operations against Ukraine.
Healey’s statements mark him as one of the first high-ranking European officials to publicly connect the Russian government to Iranian drone strikes in the Middle East. Prior to this, CNN reported, citing an unnamed intelligence source from a Western nation, that Moscow has been advising Tehran on drone tactics based on its experiences in Ukraine.
According to The Guardian, since February 28, the Iranian military has launched over 2,000 Shahed drones towards neighboring Middle Eastern countries in response to U.S.-Israeli military actions.
The Kremlin, however, has denied any requests for assistance from Tehran, including military support.
On March 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the first Ukrainian group aimed at assisting Gulf countries with military expertise against Iranian drone attacks is heading to the Middle East. He also mentioned that Kyiv has received 11 requests for security support from neighboring countries of Iran, as well as from European nations and the U.S.
In a related military operation, Israel targeted Tehran on February 28. Subsequently, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that American forces had initiated a “major combat operation” against Iran to eliminate perceived threats from the regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In light of the U.S. military operation against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
President Zelensky expressed the need to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and ensure security for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The IRGC subsequently announced the start of a “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. bases, prompting Trump to warn against these plans.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating. By March 6, Trump emphasized the necessity for a complete leadership change in Iran, mentioning potential candidates for a “good leader.”
On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain ayatollah, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Trump declined to comment on this election, stating, “We’ll see what happens,” while previously asserting that the new Iranian leader would not last long without U.S. approval.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey has linked Russia to Iran's drone tactics, highlighting concerns over Moscow's influence in the Middle East. This comes amid rising tensions following military operations involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
Source: The Guardian